Turning the Last Page

Some books affect us more than others. And some go beyond that, leaving us emotional wrecks with difficulties moving on. Oops. You’re left hopelessly fangirling until you finally get it out of your system. Well, I’ve succeeded. I’ve come out alive, and you can too.

It can strike unexpectedly, as happened to me. I assigned Partials a five-star rating because it was a brilliant, inspired book. But then Fragments came along and if I could give it six stars I would. Not only did I have nothing to fault it on, it just emotionally attacked me. All the time. My emotional responses were weirdly heightened during Fragments, so that when the smallest thing happened I physically felt it. That is not normal and it felt like my mind had been hijacked. Stupid book.

They’re the books where you still feel like you’re with the characters . Contemplating reading other books just seems wrong because you’re still stuck on the last one. The ones which stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. You can’t read anything else for a while because it could never compare. And reading another book means accepting that the old one is over and that you’ve moved on.  By the end you feel like you’ve suddenly lost half your friends. It’s an astonishingly potent feeling.

I was young (eight or nine) when Deathly Hallows was released. I still queued up for it on the first day and dressed up as Hermione Granger, which meant that I won a coveted copy free that day for winning the fancy-dress competition. I remember being six and constantly asking my mam when the final Harry Potter was going to come out, after reading the first three when I was four and racing through them at an alarming rate after that. This actually led to her buying me another copy of Half-Blood Prince, much to my disgust. You can imagine six-year-old me like ‘Mam, you don’t know anything! Hogwarts has seven years so OBVIOUSLY there’s another book!’ (I didn’t quite understand that authors had to have time to physically write the books first at the age of six).  Even though I was beyond excited for Deathly Hallows and adored it, I think I was too young for it to affect me as deeply because I just didn’t have the emotional capacity then. It’s only after re-reading the series that I understand a lot of the tragedy and joy of it. I also didn’t feel as distraught at the end, which is a small mercy, I now realise.

Here’s the action plan for The End.

1.      Give yourself time.

Reread the ending. Read some of the start, if you want to. When you turn the last page, let yourself just sit there and think about what the hell just happened. This is especially useful if you plan to write a review and don’t want to be entirely incoherent.

2.      Don’t  commit to things in that heady post-book rush.

Trust me on this one. Your brain isn’t functioning properly after the overdose of awesome it has just experienced, so you have to be careful. DO NOT start writing a fanfiction within five days of finishing the book. If you genuinely can write one, write the whole thing before you upload it. Otherwise you’re going to find yourself in an unpleasant situation with people asking why you haven’t uploaded and you realising that you’ve run out of steam.

3.      When you’re ready, get it out!

My favourite way to do this is to write out everything you feel about it. I’m lucky to have a book blog, so I can publish that kind of thing. This kind of review isn’t exactly professional or detached-sounding, but I think people enjoy them, because they’re heartfelt. They can also be far too long, which is where editing comes in. Ha, as if.

It feels like these books have gotten rid of some emotional inhibitors within me. I don’t even think it’s my age. Just another way books have destroyed my life.

So now I send out a call to fellow sufferers – I know you’re out there! Tell me how you get over amazing books, or if you want to try my method. Or just laugh at my over-the-top reaction, I don’t know. What is my life.

-Rose.

*I accept no liability for following my advice. That might be a bad idea.

Fragments (Partials #2) - Dan Wells (Advance Review!)

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Author: Dan Wells
Pages: 564
Source: Netgalley
Published: March 29th, Ireland/UK
Genre: Post-apocalyptic, science fiction
Rating: 5 stars +

I was incredibly delighted to receive Fragments for review. Any readers of my blog will probably know how much (too much, I mention it all the time) I loved its predecessor Partials. I’m so happy to say that Fragments more than lived up to it, and finishing it has left me in a state of mourning. Partials finished spectacularly, with so many subplots pulling together at once in a thrilling action sequence, and somehow that huge momentum was kept up into the sequel – and I’m very impressed.

For an introduction to the trilogy, read my review of Partials (the first book). I’ve often found that the middle book in a trilogy isn’t as well executed as the rest, but Fragments joins Catching Fire on the list of those which keep the action alive. And Fragments is – dare I say it – even better. I’m finding it hard to order my thoughts about it – the feels. Too much.

Tension and drama are ever-present. Every other chapter ends in a cliffhanger and not just ordinary ones, killer cliffhangers. Sneak-up-and-eat-you-in-your-sleep cliffhangers. You feel breathless in parts, seriously.

The characterisation is just too brilliant. Kira’s character develops so much during this book. In Partials she goes from trainee medic to daring scientist, and here she becomes a bonafide heroine and leader. She’s not too perfect either; she headstrong and a diehard rebel. We learn at the end of Partials that she is *SPOILER* a kind of Partial *END SPOILER*. But she’s different. We find out so much about her during the book, as well as the incredible revelations about the creation of the Partials, RM and the Failsafe. And this was expertly woven in with the action scenes. It impressed me that part of her journey is to discover who and what she is, but it’s done with no introspection.

There is a variety of character types as well, even among the protagonists. In Partials Marcus was forgettable, just ‘the heroine’s boyfriend’ but in Fragments he had the narrative without Kira for almost half the story. I heard about this before reading and was wary; I didn’t think Marcus could have such an interesting, fresh perspective, but he did. He does a very important, intimidating task, but with him Wells shows that you can be a strong protagonist without being reckless. When he comes up with his plan, it’s presumed that he’s being foolhardy ad throwing himself into danger with a vain hope. But he replies ‘Who am I – Kira? I’m not doing this alone, I’m going straight to the Senate.’ He then mobilizes the state to do what nobody has dared to before, and without needless danger. I think that’s such an inspiring message – the smart scientist-medic gets to be a hero at last!

I fell so in love with Samm during Fragments. He’s intrigued me in Partials but here we saw so much more of his personality. Wells also poignantly shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Partials, making them seem both more and less human. Here’s a spoiler, but you know it had to happen: Samm realizes nearing the end that he’s fallen in love with Kira. But he’s unable to express it, because Partials show emotion through the pheremonal Link Kira doesn’t have. The link is used instead of body language and tone of voice, so although Samm is a quick learner, it’s still tragically difficult for him to show the oblivious Kira his feelings. I felt like screaming, because Samm deserves her after all they’ve been through together. He’s loyal, kind, smart, soldiers on against impossible odds and defies the bounds of his genetically engineered nature to love her. The heartbreaking part is that *PARTIALS SPOILER* Partials can’t procreate, and Samm is designed to die from his expiration date in a year. *END SPOILER* He’s so noble and self-sacrificing – why must Dan Wells give me all these feels? One of the great things is that there’s just a hint of romance and it’s between characters that have been developed enough that you care for them. Even though I was waxing eloquent about Marcus earlier, maybe he can die a heroic death so Kira and Samm can be together. That’s how much I love Samm – I’m willing to commit or condone fictional murder so he can be happy. It’s going to be a nasty shock for Marcus when he finds out the truth about Kira anyway. Revelations like hers were unfurled with breathtaking finesse, to the point where I was left shaking my head in wonder at how Wells does it.

The quest has a blessedly clear aim – cure the expiration date and RM. I love the power balance; both Partials and humans desperate for a cure for their respective diseases and torn apart by war. Wells shows extraordinary expertise on things from war tactics to genetics to chemical poisoning. I was so afraid that one of those dull, protracted camping trips would happen, but thanks to the superior, witty, badass Heron and the alternating of perspectives between Kira’s quest and Marcus’ mission, momentum was never lost.

There is also a hint of black-and-grey morality, which Vale shows Kira is necessary for post-apocalyptic survival. She is trying to do amazing things, and learns that she has to make some sacrifices. There is lots of philosophizing, but it’s done so well that it enriches the plot instead of interfering with it. There are no stereotypically good or bad characters, and plenty of thought-provoking ones – like Heron. An espionage Partial model, she was literally designed to be better at everything, but that is a technical specification instead of a lazy Mary Sue and reminds us of just how expertly her DNA has been engineered, like when she says ‘I’m an espionage model, and we’re designed to beat everyone at everything.’ Partial society is divided into strict castes, according to their design specifications, and nobody disagrees because they know that that’s simply their design.

There are many poignant moments, like when Afa joins their group as the IT expert. He is a computer genius, but he lived in isolation for twelve years after the Break, believing himself to be the only human left in the world, and has halfway lost his mind. In a rare moment of lucidity, he says ‘I know what I am. I do my best.’ And it’s so heart-wrenching. Add to that the tale of how Marcus survived as a five-year-old when his parents, like everyone else’s, died from RM during the Break, making himself cereal every morning until the milk ran out and he had to venture out into the world alone to find someone, anyone to explain why his parents were dead, and it leads to an emotional and intensely thought-provoking read. 

There was a great authenticity to the world-building. The layers of mildew and rot in buildings after twelve years of disuse, the shattered glass in every window, the blown-up bridges, remnants of the Partial War.  And especially the lack of knowledge the Plague Babies – people like Kira, Marcus, Maddie and Xochi – who  were young children when the world ended and didn’t remember computers or the internet, things that are second nature to teenagers today.

I am giving this my very highest recommendation. It comes out in a week, and it (along with Partials) should be the first thing you buy. But beware, it has probably the most evil cliffhanger I've ever seen that's sure to lead to an action-packed third book.

It’s a well thought-out, thrilling, touching and far-reaching post-apocalyptic read, and it’s honestly amazing.

And now I can’t bring myself to read any other books because they can’t possibly live up to Fragments. Help me.

- Rose

Quick Announcement

Just a very short post to say that A Very Potter Senior Year is here! I'm still working my way through A Very Potter Musical but I'm excited all the same. Have a look! It's on YouTube by Starkid.

And I will be publishing a long post this weekend, I promise.

Review of Department 19: Battle Lines - Will Hill

Department 19: Battle Lines - Will Hill

Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Publication Date: March 28th 2013 (3 weeks from now)
Source: Netgalley
Pages: 544
Genre: Thriller/Paranormal
Series: Department 19 (#3)
Rating: 5 STARS!
Official Synopsis:

It's always darkest before dawn.

Secret government unit Department 19 is recovering from evil vampire Valeri Rusmanov's deadly attack on their base. The Department’s newest member, teenage operator Jamie Carpenter, is tasked with training up a new squad, as his friends and colleagues desperately search for ways to try to stop what is coming.

The timing couldn’t be worse for a coordinated, global attack on a number of maximum security prisons and hospitals—with the already-dangerous inmates now on the loose and turned into vampires. One of the escapees has a deep connection to one of the darkest moments in the history of Department 19 and embarks on a quest that threatens to expose the existence of vampires to the public. And with each day that passes, the regenerated Dracula gets stronger, bringing Zero Hour closer.

In this third instalment of the epic Department 19 series, Will Hill delivers higher—and sharper—stakes than ever before.

In short:
This book was honestly absolutely amazing. Towards the end especially, it epitomises 'thriller' beautifully.

*NO SPOILERS*

The Breakdown:
Battle Lines (#3 in Will Hill's Department 19 series) is set in a world where Dracula, vampires in general and Frankenstein are real. Department 19 is a clandestine government department dealing with supernatural threats, and it is AMAZING. One great thing about the third book is that it explains everything, subtly, so that if you can't read the first and second books you'll understand OK, but that if you have you don't get bored by CONSTANT REPETITION. *Sweet Valley High, you did it wrong. Inheritance Cycle, you did it right.* Just saying.

I loved the characters in this book. Loved. Jamie Carpenter is an excellent character to have as the hero. I mean, look at his personality! This is the kind of thing high-calibre YA is made of! Teenage, Highly talented, temper....And he has flaws! Flaws are so important! Where would Hermione be without her bossiness? Would the Hunger Games even exist if not for Katniss' rashness? So yeah, I adored Jamie, especially his gradually more grown-up attitude towards Morton.

THE MORTON SITUATION. Yes. I felt like kicking John Morton as events unfolded. At first I thought it would just be a good way for Jamie to demonstrate his leadership skills, but no. Why, Will, why? The way it ended for Morton...well, can we just say that it really added drama? And tension? And a million other things that I'm afraid I cannot reveal for fear of spoilers?

Valentin. You will love Valentin's enigmatic character. I did, anyway. He is 'cheerful, arrogant, funny, and endlessly charming', according to the book, and well, that just about sums him up. Valentin is what vampires are supposed to be! Yes, he's charming/cheerful/funny (do I spot any similarities between him and a certain Skulduggery Pleasant?) but he MUST have that arrogance, to set it off. This is how it's done. Take note.                                                                                                                                      

I really admired the way drama was built in this novel. Without giving away too much information, there were plenty of incidences I could actually point it out. One of my favourites, the old conflict between duty and natural instincts for Larissa. By the way, Larissa is an epic character, let's find a moment of glory for her...oh yes, may I mention the gaping hole through her stomach that she didn't even notice? That's not really a spoiler. Come on. A quote that I thought was applied particularly well for her was 'contempt she has become all too used to'. Am I making you curious now? Because it's out in three weeks, and you're going to have to survive *curl up in a ball* *try not to cry* *cry a lot*.  I loved 'No one inside Blacklight was remotely confident of stopping Valentin' [if he tried to fight them]. It's a war, even if it's secret! You need that sense of helplessness, futility..which you then overcome, preferably with much ado and celebration. 

 Another dramatic line was 'Bob Allen feared Jamie Carpenter'. It doesn't really play a big part in the story so I feel safe to put it up. This is what I like about Will Hill's writing. It's succinct. clear and powerful. No use of silly purple prose (You know who I'm looking at here). This was an action-driven story and it's important that it remained that way.

I've heard - everywhere - that this series is aimed for boys, yada yada....but please! Break the trend! Yes, there are bloody moments, but they aren't arbitrary, not gratuitous moments of violence to appease those who like it. You should know that I despise it when authors don't stay faithful to the story line, instead bending it directly to suit established tropes. That is what reduces great books to average ones! Thankfully, Hill stayed away from this, and any gorey moments were saved for points where they were needed for the plot.

One of my favourite parts of this series is the secrecy. I love spy organisations - they're so versatile, and deadly. Hill utilises this brilliantly. The Loop is a fantastic setting, which would be great for a movie.

Read this book. Once I got a chapter in it took me by surprise and I loved it.

Oh and I know, I know. I am a terrible person for not posting in so long. Will you believe me if I tell you that I've been INCREDIBLY busy? The main thing has been my Mock exams (so glad they're over). We finally got our results back - I got 4 As, almost everything else B+ and one B, yay. 

If you liked this post, JOIN US to become an evil mastermind/generally awesome polar bear on Google Friend Connect  or 'Add by Email' (along the right of this blog). We have Wifi/ cookies. 

Until next time,

             Rose. 

Noughts and Crosses Review

Picture from Goodreads

  Publisher: Corgi

Genre: YA, Dystopian, Romance
Source: Won - New Edition 2012
Pages: 441
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Spoilers: Not explicit

Official Summary:
Callum is a nought - an inferior white citizen in a society controlled by the black Crosses. Sephy is a Cross - and the daughter of one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the country. In their hostile, violent world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. But when Sephy and Callum's childhood friendship grows into passionate love, they're determined to find a way to be together. And then the bomb explodes...

In Short: Wow. Slow to start but enthralling and insanely emotional.


All:
This book...deeply affected me. And at times, I resented that. I resented how much it was getting under my skin. I began with eyes rolling because of the oh-so-obvious premise and the fact that the black writer seemed to be indulging in wish-fulfilment by saying that it was the whites who'd been slaves - but I changed my mind during the novel, completely. I'd resented how uncomfortably true it was. Why? It's about a dystopic society, inverting the situation of blacks from around the 1960s, so that blacks are in the majority - and in control. But it's not like today, where in places like Ireland we, while noticing their 'differentness', do accept them. Whites can't go to good schools, be protected by the law or work their way up the career ladder, with most of them stuck in menial jobs serving black people.

To be completely honest, it disturbed me. It disturbed me. It shouldn't have, but it did. It made me realise that we've become completely desensitised to discrimination against blacks. The author is a black woman, and every time something bad happened to the white main character I flinched inwardly. It felt like a direct attack on me. So why wouldn't it have if the victim had been black? The idea of white slaves, even if it was in the past, just seemed so profoundly wrong. The history books were all in favour of blacks and didn't mention white inventors/explorers, and I saw how wrong that is. Starting the novel I thought I'd be bored silly of the straight inversion. Instead, it struck me to the core and really made me think. A comment was made by one of the Crosses with their opinion of the noughts, which really summed up the frightening aspect of this book: (paraphrasing) There's a reason they're called blankers, you know. Blank, white faces. Blank hearts. Blank minds. That's why we have to control them.'

Callum and Sephy were such real characters. It hurt badly to see Fate conspiring against them. Every time I saw Sephy's riches or Callum's dire situation, I had to remind myself that she was black and he was white. It was difficult to see it, and that I'll admit. I loved their relationship as I got to know it better. Having read and watched Romeo and Juliet, I could see the allusions to it, the point where things were scheduled to go wrong - and did, against my fervent wishes. That's a mark of a good book, that I'm made desperately wish for an outcome. I cared. Why is it that whenever I become emotionally invested in characters they're battered and tossed around until I can't stand it? I hoped against hope all through this novel that things would miraculously improve. And it stayed true to its course and broke my heart, taking everything it could of me with it. I couldn't bear to see how Callum's family was slowly ripped apart by the L.M., and it hurt when I saw how desperate his father and brother had become. After that night in the cell I had to watch in horror as everything spiralled out of control for Callum and Sephy. As the World Book Day novella 'Callum' was included (an alternate ending) I held out hope - and my hopes were dashed. But that's not to say that I didn't get an excellent read out of it, even while my emotions were being trainwrecked. You need a book like that once in a while.


Noughts and Crosses should have gotten five stars. I took off O.25 of a star because I couldn't connect to the story for a while. But as the narrative rushed towards the ending I was almost overwhelmed. Almost? Who am I kidding? The ending is tragic and emotional and meaningful and really, beyond words. I couldn't wait to review it because I knew that I would really feel what I'm saying. I'm left shaking my head and waiting for it to fully sink in. This is a book with a powerful impact, and it certainly showed on me.

Knife Edge, Checkmate and Double Cross are featuring prominently on my To Be Read list.

Next...
Author's Website (Malorie Blackman)
Goodreads Page

Artemis Fowl (Series) - Eoin Colfer Review

REVIEW OF THE SERIES AS A WHOLE.
Publisher: Puffin
Source: Various
Pages: 200-500
Rating: 5 Stars, overall.

Blurb of first book: 

Artemis Fowl. You've probably heard the name.
If Internet rumours are to be believed, he's responsible for every major crime of the new century. If you haven't heard of young Artemis, the  you're lucky. You'll sleep better not knowing that someone like him is out there. But if you must know, if curiosity is eating away at you, as it did at me, then let's start at the beginning...

In this, the story of Artemis' first encounter with the fairy People, you'll find out how he hatched a plot to restore his family's fortune. You'll read how he discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous fairies, farting dwarfs and mind-blowing technology. And you'll learn how, by kidnapping Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police, Artemis almost triggered a cross-species war.

Still with me? Well, strap in, adventurers - you've never read anything quite like this..

Yours in deep cover,
Eoin Colfer.

I hope that clears things up a little, or at least reveals some of the gorgeous wit in this series.

*****

Setting

 Fairies. Underground. Ireland as a centre for magic (I agree). Kickass, hi-tech fairies with cool acronyms (may I mention LEPRecon?). A teenage mega-genius mainly intent on excellently plotted crime. Hi-tech manor. Oblivious outside world. Yes please.

Characters: 

Artemis II: I'm not ashamed to say that I had a crush on Artemis when I was younger. I love intelligent, witty, sarcastic guys and Eoin Colfer goes to great lengths to show how much he ticks all those boxes. I love love love his plotting rituals and all his little quirks. Plus, his fanart is to die for. Truly an excellent character (some great quotes from Artemis at the end).

Butler: Butler is a formidable character, but being a reader you start to feel affection for him as the series develops. His relationship with Artemis is both hilarious and sweet and his fight scenes are stylish and exciting, which is always a win.

Holly: Everyone's favourite elf, Holly invented badassery under pressure. Witty, loyal and brave, she's a very endearing character. However, she is not a Dobby, with so many moments of glory throughout the series. Not that Dobby doesn't have moments of glory. Take 'Dobby is a FREE ELF'.As it develops we see a more *human* (elven?) side to Holly, and it's heartbreaking because of what she has to go through when you realise how much you actually care for her.

Foaly: Foaly's paranoia makes for great entertainment. I love the banter between him and Artemis, and the details of his technology. I enjoy his sarcastic comments towards Commander Root, and his intelligence. Having an equal conversation with Artemis is no simple task.

Plot(s):

Always fast-moving, with an assortment of well-developed characters to add spontaneity and excitement.Interspersed with dialogue and excellent quips, these books are never boring.

Jumped out at me: Camaraderie/ Plotting:

I would have said (fairy) technology, but I'm honestly not trying to sound like a broken record here.I swear.

The camaraderie between Holly and Artemis, Artemis and Butler, Holly and Butler, Artemis and Foaly and Holly and Foaly is ever-present, and I love it. It's always shown with great wit and attention to detail.

Artemis' plots unfold with breathtaking finesse. They're a wonder just to watch. You think an element of the plan is unnecessary, and then at the very end everything slots perfectly into place. And then Opal Koboi comes in, and it gets to a whole new level.

I commend you, Eoin Colfer.

Overall:

Read them. Just do it. You can thank me later. 

Website: www.artemisfowl.co.uk

City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare Review

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 424
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Source: Mega Bookshop Haul
Rating: 4 Stars
Series: The Mortal Instruments (#4)

The Short Version: Not perfect, but unexpectedly enjoyable.

The Breakdown:

Initial Reaction:
I am not usually a fan of paranormalcy. Especially not paranormal romance. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised. City of Fallen Angels showed that pretty decent action can go along with it. I actually didn't like the cover at all though. Get that character off my cover!

This is the fourth book in the series, and the first one I've read (comes after City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass). I actually bought it because I'd seen so many quotes from it  here! I was left guessing about many of the preceding events because I'm starting with the fourth in the series but I figured it out. Except for the Jace/Clary thing.  I know they're not *exactly* related but...Reading their backstory would help. I really should read series' in order!

Setting:

Basically, world with vampires, warlocks, werewolves, Shadowhunters, Angel, STRONG references to an almighty deity....you catch my drift. The *under*current of God would have been a bit of a turnoff but it avoided it somehow, a spectacular feat when put beside my aversion to authors being too preachy in their professional works. The outside world is oblivious to what's going on, just the way I like it. Can you imagine how bad Harry Potter and Skulduggery Pleasant (and many more) would have been if the public knew about magic?!

Characters:

Clary: I noticed that a lot of the novel is spent with different characters talking about Clary, not necessarily with her talking, which was interesting. Of course, she featured prominently, being on the cover and all....the relationship between her and Jace was interesting enough, but I'm very glad it wasn't made the focal point of the novel. I CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE PARANORMAL ROMANCE! UNLESS THE PROSE IS ACTUALLY UNBELIEVABLE! 

 and will keep you 

Jace: To be honest, I just love Jace's fighting scenes to bits. I love where his speed and skill are described, because they're somehow the opposite of a certain 'skin as hard as granite'. As in, at the right moments and not overwhelming. I didn't really appreciate his dreaming episodes. Very angsty. But they furthered the plot, so I'll let it go.

Simon: I really liked Simon, actually. He was one of my favourite characters because I subconsciously identified him as the underdog and sided with him. I'm not going to avoid spoilers too much, the book's been out long enough. Don't crucify me, I usually do. His 'coming-out scene' with his mother (I just made you think he's gay, even though he isn't. Didn't I?) was excellently written and just the right side of angsty. You can always count on a paranormal for that! OH MY THE MARK OF CAIN.

There are so many other characters. Wait until you read the book!

Plot:

I've heard say that this was an unnecessary addition to the original trilogy. While I haven't actually READ said original trilogy *cough*, I really don't think it was. there were plenty of events in it and since I've decided not to spoil it after all, I can't tell you what they are. What I CAN say is that one scene at the end, which reminded me of a terrifying Snow White coffin scene, was brilliant.. Look out for it when you read it. Which you are going to do, aren't you? Of course. The plot isn't exactly fast-moving, but it's not noticeably slow and will keep you plenty entertained. 

Jumped out at me: Issues, issues everywhere.

Cassandra Clare is really not afraid to jump in the deep end. With controversial issues, she's got all the bases covered. Let's see now. Ho- Actually, I wrote all this and then backspaced it. I think people will take offence. Sorry.

Overall

Initially slow, but it really grew on me towards the end. Hilarious quotes. A terrible cliffhanger. I'll definitely be reading City of Bones/Ashes/Glass!

I think you should go here next...

Aylee from Recovering Potter Addict's Review

A Paranormal Fan Reviewer

That last one is quite negative and the first one is positive. Nobody ever said I wasn't balanced! Oh wait, I did. Today I bought a dystopian with prize money from a book review contest and I have an excellent review of that on the way, so come back soon!